The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a major boost to their preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations as the team's camp in Cairo, Egypt, has now reached near-full strength. The arrival of two key players on Tuesday morning has brought the total number of squad members present to twenty-four.
Final Arrivals Bolster Squad Ahead of Pharaohs Clash
Defender Chidozie Awaziem and forward Salim Fago Lawal joined their teammates at the team's base in Egypt on Tuesday morning. Their timely arrival allowed them to participate in the final training session scheduled for Tuesday morning, just hours before the team's high-profile international friendly match.
The Super Eagles had earlier conducted their first official training session on Egyptian soil at the iconic Cairo International Stadium on Monday night. Under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, the sessions have reportedly focused heavily on tactical organization and ensuring player recovery. This phase marks the critical final stretch of the team's buildup before the continental tournament commences.
The Ultimate Litmus Test Against Egypt
All eyes are now on the international friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt scheduled for Tuesday night. This match is widely viewed as the most important preparatory fixture for the Nigerian side. It serves as the final competitive test before the team departs for Morocco to compete in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
With the latest arrivals, Coach Chelle has almost his complete roster available for selection for tonight's encounter. The friendly provides a crucial opportunity to fine-tune tactics, assess player combinations, and build momentum against a top African rival.
Full Super Eagles Squad in Cairo Camp
The complete list of twenty-four players currently with the team in Egypt is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie.
Defenders: Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igho Ogbu, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Ryan Alebiosu, Chidozie Awaziem.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, Tochukwu Nnadi.
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Salim Fago Lawal.
The growing squad size and the intense preparation underscore the seriousness with which the Nigerian football federation and technical crew are approaching the AFCON 2025 tournament. The performance against Egypt will offer valuable insights into the team's readiness and potential for success in Morocco.